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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts are re-signing free agent defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad to a new one-year, $3.4M deal:
Colts are re-signing free-agent DE Al-Quadin Muhammad to a one-year, $3.4 million deal, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 31, 2021
The 26 year old defensive end had 23 tackles (19 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 26 total QB pressures, and a forced fumble during all 16 games last season.
Per PFF (subscription), in 2020, Muhammad was their 71st best graded edge defender with a +61.2 overall grade—including a +72.7 run defense grade.
He was recently ranked as NFL.com’s 99th best free agent.
Muhammad brings a familiar face and a rotational young edge—with still a bit of upside, at a position that has already experienced some offseason turnover given the earlier departure of starting defensive end Denico Autry to the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
Muhammad should help bolster the Colts’ defensive line depth in the trenches collectively.
With veteran Justin Houston still a free agent, and the need for an overall infusion of youth, quickness, bend, and athleticism off the edge regardless, it would be surprising if the Colts were done significantly addressing the defensive end position this offseason.